Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A device comprising: an antenna configured to receive an incident signal having a carrier frequency; a modulator; and a waveform generator, wherein the waveform generator is configured to provide a subcarrier frequency, and wherein the waveform generator is further configured to control the modulator to backscatter the incident signal having the carrier frequency using the subcarrier frequency to provide a backscattered signal to the antenna, the backscattered signal including a bandpass signal in a frequency range associated with a Bluetooth standard, wherein the backscattered signal comprises a packet formatted in accordance with a Bluetooth standard.
This invention relates to wireless communication devices that use backscattering techniques to transmit data in compliance with Bluetooth standards. The device addresses the challenge of low-power communication by leveraging ambient radio frequency (RF) signals rather than generating its own transmission power. The device includes an antenna that receives an incident signal with a carrier frequency, a modulator, and a waveform generator. The waveform generator produces a subcarrier frequency and controls the modulator to backscatter the incident signal using this subcarrier. The resulting backscattered signal is a bandpass signal within the frequency range specified by Bluetooth standards and is formatted as a Bluetooth-compliant packet. This approach enables energy-efficient communication by reflecting and modulating the incident signal rather than actively transmitting, making it suitable for battery-free or low-power applications. The device can be used in Internet of Things (IoT) sensors or other systems where minimizing power consumption is critical. The backscattered signal is structured to ensure compatibility with existing Bluetooth receivers, allowing seamless integration into standard wireless networks.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the waveform generator is further configured to control the modulator to backscatter the incident signal having the carrier frequency using the subcarrier frequency to provide another backscattered signal to the antenna, the other backscattered signal including a bandpass signal in a frequency range associated with a WiFi standard, a Zigbee standard, or a cellular standard.
This invention relates to wireless communication devices that use backscattering techniques to modulate and transmit signals. The device includes a waveform generator and a modulator that processes an incident signal with a carrier frequency. The modulator reflects or backscatters the incident signal, embedding data by modulating it with a subcarrier frequency. The waveform generator controls the modulator to produce a backscattered signal that includes a bandpass signal within a frequency range compatible with WiFi, Zigbee, or cellular communication standards. This allows the device to communicate using existing wireless protocols without requiring a dedicated transmitter, reducing power consumption and hardware complexity. The backscattered signal is transmitted via an antenna, enabling low-power, energy-efficient wireless communication in environments where traditional transmitters are impractical. The invention addresses the need for efficient, low-power wireless communication in IoT and sensor networks by leveraging ambient RF signals for data transmission.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the incident signal comprises a Bluetooth signal.
A wireless communication device includes a signal processing system configured to receive an incident signal and generate a response signal based on the incident signal. The device further includes a signal transmission system that transmits the response signal to a target device. The incident signal is a Bluetooth signal, which is a short-range wireless communication protocol operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. The signal processing system may include a receiver that captures the Bluetooth signal and extracts data or commands embedded within it. The response signal is generated in response to the received Bluetooth signal and may include acknowledgment, data transmission, or other communication protocols compatible with Bluetooth standards. The signal transmission system may include an antenna and a transmitter that modulate and broadcast the response signal to the target device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled device. The device may also include additional components like amplifiers, filters, or processors to enhance signal quality and ensure reliable communication. This technology addresses the need for efficient and secure short-range wireless communication, particularly in applications requiring low-power, low-cost, and high-reliability data exchange.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the incident signal comprises a continuous wave signal.
A system for signal processing involves a device that receives an incident signal and processes it to extract information. The incident signal is a continuous wave signal, meaning it is a steady, unmodulated electromagnetic wave with a constant frequency and amplitude. The device includes components for detecting, amplifying, and analyzing the continuous wave signal to determine its characteristics, such as frequency, phase, or amplitude. The system may also include mechanisms for filtering noise or interference to improve signal clarity. The continuous wave signal is used in applications like radar, communication systems, or sensor networks, where stable signal transmission is critical. The device ensures accurate signal interpretation by maintaining the integrity of the continuous wave during processing, allowing for precise measurements or data extraction. The system may further include calibration features to account for environmental factors affecting signal propagation. The overall goal is to enhance signal reliability and performance in real-world applications.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the packet comprises a Bluetooth advertising packet.
A wireless communication system includes a transmitter and a receiver configured to exchange data packets. The transmitter generates data packets containing information for transmission, and the receiver processes these packets to extract the transmitted information. The system is designed to improve communication efficiency and reliability in environments with interference or signal degradation. The transmitter may include modulation circuitry to encode data into the packets, while the receiver includes demodulation circuitry to decode the received signals. The system may also incorporate error correction mechanisms to ensure data integrity. In this specific implementation, the data packets are Bluetooth advertising packets, which are short, broadcast messages used in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) networks for device discovery and connection establishment. These packets typically contain identifiers, service information, or other metadata to facilitate communication between devices. The use of Bluetooth advertising packets allows for low-power, short-range wireless communication, making the system suitable for applications such as IoT devices, wearable technology, and sensor networks. The system may further include synchronization mechanisms to coordinate packet transmission and reception, ensuring timely and accurate data exchange. The overall design aims to enhance communication robustness and efficiency in wireless environments.
6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the packet includes data collected by a sensor or other device in communication with the device.
A system for data transmission includes a device configured to generate and transmit packets of data. The device collects data from one or more sensors or other connected devices and incorporates this data into the packets. The packets are structured to include metadata such as timestamps, identifiers, and error-checking information to ensure reliable transmission. The device may also include a communication module to send the packets over a network, such as a wireless or wired connection, to a remote server or another device. The system is designed to efficiently handle data from multiple sources, ensuring accurate and timely delivery. The device may further include processing capabilities to preprocess or filter the collected data before transmission, optimizing bandwidth and reducing unnecessary data transfer. The overall system is intended for applications where real-time or near-real-time data collection and transmission are critical, such as industrial monitoring, environmental sensing, or healthcare diagnostics. The device ensures robust communication by implementing error detection and correction mechanisms, allowing for reliable data transmission even in challenging network conditions.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the frequency range associated with the Bluetooth standard corresponds to an advertising channel specified by a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) specification and wherein the bandpass signal comprises a frequency shift keying signal having a frequency deviation in accordance with a Bluetooth Low Energy specification.
This invention relates to wireless communication devices, specifically those operating within the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standard. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and compliant signal transmission in BLE advertising channels. The device includes a transmitter configured to generate a bandpass signal within the frequency range defined by the BLE specification, particularly targeting the advertising channels used for device discovery and connection establishment. The bandpass signal employs frequency shift keying (FSK) modulation, with a frequency deviation that adheres to BLE standards to ensure compatibility and reliable communication. The transmitter may include components such as an oscillator, modulator, and antenna to produce and transmit the signal. The device may also incorporate a controller to manage signal parameters, ensuring they meet BLE specifications for advertising channels. The invention aims to provide a robust and standards-compliant solution for BLE communication, particularly in scenarios requiring low-power, short-range data exchange. The focus on BLE advertising channels ensures interoperability with existing BLE-enabled devices while maintaining energy efficiency.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the incident signal having the carrier frequency is generated by a signal source disposed at a distance from the antenna.
This backscatter communication device features an antenna, a modulator, and a waveform generator. The antenna is designed to receive an incoming signal that has a specific carrier frequency. A waveform generator generates a subcarrier frequency and uses it to control the modulator. This control allows the device to backscatter the received incident signal by combining it with the subcarrier frequency. The resulting backscattered signal, which includes a bandpass signal in a Bluetooth-associated frequency range and is formatted as a Bluetooth packet, is then transmitted back through the antenna. Importantly, the initial incoming signal with the carrier frequency is produced by a separate signal source located remotely from the device's antenna.
9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the modulator is configured to switch an impedance associated with the antenna to backscatter the incident signal.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to devices that modulate and backscatter incident signals for low-power communication. The problem addressed is the need for energy-efficient wireless communication, particularly in scenarios where devices lack a dedicated power source or require minimal energy consumption. The device includes an antenna and a modulator. The antenna receives an incident signal, such as a radio frequency (RF) wave, from a transmitter. The modulator is configured to dynamically adjust the impedance of the antenna, causing the device to reflect or backscatter the incident signal in a modulated form. This modulation encodes data onto the reflected signal, enabling communication without the need for active signal generation. The impedance switching can be controlled by a digital or analog circuit, allowing the device to transmit data by varying the reflection characteristics of the antenna. The modulator may include a switch or a variable impedance element, such as a transistor or a diode, that alters the antenna's impedance in response to a control signal. The control signal can be generated by a processing unit or a sensor, enabling the device to transmit sensor data or other information. The backscattered signal is then received by a reader or another device, which demodulates the reflected signal to extract the transmitted data. This approach enables ultra-low-power communication, as the device does not require a transmitter or power amplifier, relying instead on the energy of the incident signal. The technology is particularly useful in applications such as RFID tags, wireless sensors, and IoT devices where energy efficiency is critical.
10. The device of claim 1 , further comprising: a receiver coupled to the antenna, the receiver configured to provide an indication of when to start or stop backscattering based on presence, absence, or content of the incident signal.
This invention relates to wireless communication devices, specifically those using backscattering techniques to transmit data. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and adaptive control of backscattering operations in response to incoming signals. The device includes an antenna for receiving and transmitting signals, and a receiver coupled to the antenna. The receiver monitors the incident signal to determine when to activate or deactivate backscattering. The decision is based on the presence, absence, or specific content of the incoming signal. For example, the receiver may detect a carrier signal to initiate backscattering or recognize a termination command to stop it. This adaptive control improves energy efficiency and reduces interference by ensuring backscattering only occurs when necessary. The device may also include a modulator to encode data onto the reflected signal, allowing for bidirectional communication. The receiver's ability to interpret signal content enables dynamic adjustments, such as switching between different modulation schemes or power levels. This invention is particularly useful in low-power applications like IoT sensors, where minimizing energy consumption and optimizing communication reliability are critical.
11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the receiver is configured to provide the indication to the waveform generator.
A system for generating and analyzing electrical waveforms includes a waveform generator that produces electrical signals with adjustable parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and phase. The system also includes a receiver that detects and processes these signals, extracting relevant data such as signal strength, timing, or frequency characteristics. The receiver is configured to provide feedback to the waveform generator, allowing dynamic adjustments to the generated waveforms based on real-time analysis. This feedback loop enables precise control over the waveform parameters, improving accuracy and adaptability in applications such as signal processing, communication systems, or testing equipment. The system may also include additional components like sensors or processors to enhance functionality, such as monitoring environmental conditions or performing complex signal analysis. The feedback mechanism ensures that the waveform generator can respond to changes in the received signal, maintaining optimal performance under varying conditions. This closed-loop approach is particularly useful in applications requiring high precision, such as medical devices, industrial automation, or scientific research.
12. An apparatus comprising: an antenna configured to receive an incident signal having a carrier frequency; a receiver configured to detect a presence of the incident signal at the antenna; a waveform generator, wherein the waveform generator is configured to provide a subcarrier frequency, and wherein the waveform generator is further configured to backscatter the incident signal having the carrier frequency using the subcarrier frequency to provide a backscattered signal to the antenna, the backscattered signal including a bandpass signal in a frequency range associated with a Bluetooth standard, wherein the receiver is further configured to detect energy related to the presence of the incident signal.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically apparatuses for backscattering signals to enable low-power communication. The problem addressed is the need for energy-efficient wireless communication, particularly in scenarios where devices lack a dedicated power source or require minimal energy consumption. The apparatus includes an antenna that receives an incident signal with a carrier frequency. A receiver detects the presence of this signal at the antenna. A waveform generator produces a subcarrier frequency and uses it to backscatter the incident signal, creating a backscattered signal that includes a bandpass signal within the frequency range specified by the Bluetooth standard. The receiver also monitors energy levels related to the incident signal's presence. Backscattering is a technique where an incoming signal is reflected with modulation to encode data, allowing communication without active transmission. By operating within Bluetooth frequency ranges, the apparatus can interface with existing Bluetooth-enabled devices. The system enables passive or semi-passive communication, reducing power consumption compared to traditional active transmission methods. This is particularly useful for IoT devices, sensors, or tags where energy efficiency is critical. The apparatus may be integrated into small, battery-less devices or used in environments where power availability is limited.
13. The device of claim 12 , wherein the receiver is further configured to detect an absence of the incident signal.
A system for signal detection and processing includes a receiver configured to receive an incident signal and a processor that analyzes the received signal. The receiver is designed to detect the presence or absence of the incident signal, allowing the system to determine whether the signal is active or not. The processor evaluates the signal characteristics, such as amplitude, frequency, or phase, to extract relevant information. The system may also include a transmitter that generates an output signal based on the processed data, enabling communication or further signal processing. The receiver's ability to detect signal absence ensures reliable operation in scenarios where the incident signal may be intermittent or disrupted. This system is useful in applications requiring robust signal monitoring, such as wireless communication, sensor networks, or industrial control systems, where signal integrity is critical. The processor may apply filtering, modulation, or demodulation techniques to enhance signal quality and accuracy. The transmitter can then relay the processed information to other devices or systems, maintaining seamless data flow. The system's design ensures adaptability to varying signal conditions, improving overall performance and reliability.
14. The device of claim 12 , wherein the receiver corresponds to a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) receiver configured to listen for incoming advertising packets on BLE advertising channels.
A wireless communication device includes a receiver designed to detect and process incoming data packets transmitted over short-range wireless communication channels. The receiver is specifically configured to operate within the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol, monitoring designated BLE advertising channels for broadcasted advertising packets. These packets typically contain information such as device identifiers, service data, or connection parameters, enabling nearby devices to discover and interact with the transmitting device. The receiver may be part of a larger system that further processes the received packets to facilitate device pairing, data exchange, or other communication functions. The BLE receiver operates with low power consumption, making it suitable for battery-powered or energy-efficient applications. The device may also include additional components, such as a processor to decode the received packets or a transmitter to respond to the advertising packets, depending on the intended use case. This configuration allows for efficient short-range wireless communication in applications like IoT devices, wearable technology, or smart home systems.
15. The device of claim 12 , wherein the receiver is configured to decode all or a portion of the incident signal, wherein the incident signal comprises a Bluetooth signal.
A wireless communication device includes a receiver configured to receive and decode an incident signal, which may be a Bluetooth signal or a portion of such a signal. The receiver processes the incoming signal to extract data or information, enabling communication with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The device may also include additional components, such as a transmitter for sending signals, an antenna for signal transmission and reception, and processing circuitry to handle signal modulation, demodulation, and data extraction. The system is designed to facilitate wireless data exchange, supporting functionalities like device pairing, data transfer, and network connectivity in Bluetooth-based applications. The receiver's ability to decode the signal ensures reliable communication, allowing the device to interact with other Bluetooth-enabled systems in various environments, such as consumer electronics, IoT devices, or industrial applications. The design optimizes signal processing efficiency, ensuring low-power operation and robust performance in diverse wireless communication scenarios.
16. The device of claim 12 , wherein the receiver is further configured to determine when to provide the backscattered signal.
A wireless communication device includes a receiver and a transmitter for backscattering signals. The receiver captures an incoming signal and processes it to extract data or timing information. The transmitter modulates the incoming signal to generate a backscattered signal, which is then transmitted to another device. The receiver is further configured to determine when to provide the backscattered signal based on predefined conditions, such as signal strength, timing, or data content. This ensures efficient and reliable communication by controlling when the device reflects the signal back to the transmitter. The system is designed for low-power applications, such as IoT devices, where energy efficiency is critical. The receiver may also include filtering or amplification stages to improve signal quality before backscattering. The transmitter may use different modulation techniques to encode data onto the reflected signal. The device operates in environments where direct transmission is impractical, leveraging backscattering to extend communication range or reduce power consumption. The timing and modulation control mechanisms enhance performance in noisy or interference-prone conditions.
17. The device of claim 16 , wherein the receiver is further configured to determine when to provide the backscattered signal based on a time at which the incident signal is present on the antenna.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to devices that use backscattering techniques to communicate. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable backscatter communication, where a device reflects an incident signal to transmit data without requiring its own power source. The invention improves upon existing backscatter systems by dynamically controlling when the backscattered signal is provided based on the timing of the incident signal on the antenna. This ensures that the backscattered signal is generated only when the incident signal is present, improving energy efficiency and reducing interference. The device includes an antenna that receives an incident signal, a receiver that processes the signal, and a backscatter modulator that reflects the signal with data modulation. The receiver determines the optimal timing for backscattering by analyzing the presence of the incident signal on the antenna, ensuring synchronization and minimizing wasted energy. This timing control enhances the reliability of data transmission in low-power wireless applications, such as IoT sensors or RFID systems. The invention may also include additional features like signal strength detection and adaptive modulation to further optimize performance.
18. A method comprising: receiving an incident signal having a carrier frequency, the incident signal comprising at least one of a television transmission signal, a cellular communication signal, a WiFi signal, a Bluetooth signal, or a Zigbee signal; detecting a presence of the incident signal based on energy related to the presence of the incident signal; and backscattering the incident signal to provide a backscattered signal, wherein the backscattering comprises: modulating an impedance associated with an antenna in accordance with data to be provided in the backscattered signal; and mixing the carrier frequency with at least one subcarrier provided by the backscatter device.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for backscattering incident signals to enable low-power communication. The problem addressed is the need for energy-efficient wireless transmission, particularly in devices with limited power resources. Traditional wireless communication requires active transmission, which consumes significant power. Backscattering offers a passive alternative by reflecting and modulating incident signals to transmit data without generating new radio waves. The method involves receiving an incident signal, which may be a television transmission, cellular communication, WiFi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee signal, operating at a carrier frequency. The presence of the incident signal is detected by measuring its energy. Once detected, the signal is backscattered to produce a backscattered signal. Backscattering is achieved by modulating the antenna's impedance in accordance with the data to be transmitted. Additionally, the carrier frequency is mixed with at least one subcarrier generated by the backscatter device to encode the data. This approach allows for low-power communication by leveraging existing ambient signals rather than generating new ones, making it suitable for applications like IoT sensors and RFID tags. The technique supports various wireless standards, enabling compatibility with existing infrastructure.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the backscattered signal comprises a Bluetooth packet comprising a sensor ID and associated sensor data.
A method for wireless communication involves transmitting a signal from a reader device to a sensor tag, where the sensor tag reflects or backscatters a portion of the received signal to generate a backscattered signal. The backscattered signal includes a Bluetooth packet containing a sensor identifier (ID) and associated sensor data. The reader device receives and processes this backscattered signal to extract the sensor ID and sensor data. The sensor tag may be a passive or semi-passive device that modulates the reflected signal to encode the Bluetooth packet, which includes the sensor ID and sensor data. The reader device decodes the Bluetooth packet to identify the sensor and retrieve the sensor data. This method enables wireless communication between the reader and sensor tags without requiring active transmission from the sensor tag, reducing power consumption and enabling long-range communication. The use of Bluetooth packets allows for standardized data transmission and compatibility with existing Bluetooth devices. The sensor data may include measurements such as temperature, humidity, or other environmental parameters, while the sensor ID uniquely identifies the sensor tag within the system. The method supports multiple sensor tags operating within the same environment, allowing the reader device to distinguish between different sensors based on their unique IDs.
20. The method of claim 18 , further comprising: listening for packets in the incident signal; and detecting content in the packets to provide an indication of when to start stop backscattering.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing backscattering in radio frequency (RF) signals to improve energy efficiency and communication reliability. The problem addressed is the need for efficient control of backscattering operations in RF communication, particularly in low-power devices that rely on backscattering to transmit data by reflecting incident signals. The method involves monitoring an incident RF signal to detect packets within it. By analyzing the content of these packets, the system determines optimal timing for starting and stopping backscattering operations. This ensures that backscattering occurs only when necessary, conserving energy and reducing interference. The method may also include adjusting backscattering parameters based on the detected packet content, such as modulation schemes or transmission power, to enhance communication performance. Additionally, the system may synchronize backscattering operations with the detected packets to align with the communication protocol of the incident signal. This synchronization improves data transmission accuracy and minimizes collisions with other signals. The method is particularly useful in applications like RFID systems, wireless sensors, and IoT devices where energy efficiency and reliable communication are critical. By dynamically controlling backscattering based on real-time signal analysis, the invention enhances the overall efficiency and reliability of wireless communication in low-power environments.
21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the packets in the incident signal correspond to advertising packets received on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) advertising channels.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, addressing the challenge of efficiently processing and analyzing BLE advertising packets. The method involves capturing an incident signal containing BLE advertising packets transmitted on standard BLE advertising channels. These packets are typically used for device discovery, connection establishment, and data broadcasting in BLE networks. The method processes these packets to extract relevant information, such as device identifiers, signal strength, and other metadata, enabling applications like device tracking, proximity detection, and network monitoring. The technique ensures compatibility with existing BLE protocols while optimizing packet handling for real-time or batch analysis. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios requiring low-power, short-range wireless communication, such as IoT devices, beacons, and wearable technology. By focusing on BLE advertising channels, the method leverages the inherent broadcast nature of these packets to gather data without requiring active device connections, reducing power consumption and complexity. The approach can be integrated into various systems, including mobile devices, gateways, and network analyzers, to enhance BLE-based applications.
Unknown
June 23, 2020
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